My Outside World

My family, for the most part, is my world.

But I have had the wonderful opportunity to be involved with Young Life (http://www.younglife.org/) for over 13 years now. And with the help of my husband, I have been able to continue hanging out with some awesome high school friends even as a mom.

On Mondays nights, I kiss my husband and little girl while they're eating their dinner, put my guitar on the seat where Annabelle is usually attempting an escape from her car seat, and head towards Neenah.

I meet with some crazy adults who feel similarly as I do, and then we wait. As the time approachs, we set up sound systems and overhead projectors. We sing along to Taio Cruz and Katy Perry and drink as much caffeine as possible.

And before long, they come. Usually in pairs. Usually through the back door. They feel comfortable, almost at home. They eat whatever we leave out for them and know exactly where to find the drinks. When critical mass seems to have entered, they come on up.

Their energy, even on a Monday night, is contagious. Since I lead music, I get to stand up front and watch as they run across the room, fighting over the two couches, with the look of anticipation.

They are incredible. We play games, sing songs, and when the time has come, we talk about Jesus. Nothing gets old about that. "The basics" we call it. But do we need anymore than that? He was and is and will be incredible, miraculous, God.

And then the best part, we sit and talk and listen to music. They play ping pong and cards and hang around as long as they want. They keep me young.

Tonight we have our annual Young Life fundraising banquet. Though it is not meant to be for me, I always leave encouraged and reminded of why I do this in the first place.